Top Dystopian Movies

From Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

The Matrix is a science fiction action film released in 1999, directed and written by the Wachowski siblings. The movie stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving. The plot revolves around a computer hacker named Neo (Reeves) who discovers that the world as he knows it is actually a simulated reality created by a powerful artificial intelligence known as “The Matrix”. Neo joins a group of underground rebels fighting against the machines that have enslaved humanity and is eventually chosen to be “The One”, a hero with the power to free humanity from its virtual prison. As Neo learns the truth about the Matrix, he must battle the machines and their agents, including the mysterious Agent Smith (Weaving), to save mankind. Along his journey, Neo learns about the power of the mind and how to manipulate the Matrix, eventually becoming a powerful warrior capable of defeating the machines. The Matrix is considered to be one of the best and most influential science fiction films ever made.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine. The film follows the crew of a spaceship as they search for a new home for humanity in the wake of a devastating ecological disaster that threatens to wipe out life on Earth. The crew travels through a mysterious wormhole and discovers a number of potentially habitable planets. Over the course of their journey, the crew must contend with the challenges of time dilation, the limitations of their ship, and the unknown dangers of deep space. In the end, the crew discovers that love is the strongest force in the universe, and its power can transcend time and space.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, and Edward Furlong. It is the sequel to Cameron's 1984 film The Terminator. In the film, a cyborg assassin known as the T-800 (Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to protect John Connor (Furlong), the future leader of the human resistance against the machines, from a more advanced Terminator, the T-1000 (Patrick). In the future war between the machines and humanity, both Terminators must battle in a fight to the death to determine the fate of mankind. Along the way, John and the T-800 must also protect Sarah Connor (Hamilton) from the T-1000 in order to ensure the future of humanity.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton and John Hurt. The story takes place on board a commercial towing vehicle, the Nostromo, which has been diverted to investigate a mysterious signal from an unknown planet. After investigating the planet, the crew of the Nostromo discovers a large, egg-like object containing a dangerous, parasitic alien life form. The creature soon begins to hunt the crew, picking them off one-by-one until Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo, manages to finally destroy it with the help of a self-destruct sequence. Alien is a classic horror film, with a tension-filled atmosphere, thought-provoking themes, and intense action sequences.

From Andrew Stanton, starring Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Rated G

Wall·E is a 2008 American computer-animated science fiction film directed by Andrew Stanton for Walt Disney Pictures. The story follows a robot named Wall·E, who is designed to clean up an abandoned, waste-covered Earth far in the future. He falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her into outer space on an adventure that changes the destiny of both his kind and humanity. Along the way, Wall·E discovers his true purpose and embarks on a journey of redemption that brings him into contact with a cast of characters including a pet cockroach, a broken-down robot, and a fleet of malfunctioning machines. Together, the unlikely group embarks on a fantastic journey across the universe that ultimately decides the fate of mankind.

From James Cameron, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Aliens is a 1986 science fiction action horror film directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver. The film follows Ellen Ripley (Weaver) as she returns to the planet LV-426 in order to confront the alien species that nearly killed her during her last mission. Along the way, she teams up with a group of colonial marines as they battle against the powerful aliens. After facing off against the aliens in multiple battles, Ripley ultimately defeats them and manages to escape the planet. The film is widely praised for its intense action sequences, spectacular visual effects, and its compelling story.

From Fritz Lang, starring Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, Gustav Fröhlich, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Rated Not Rated

Metropolis is a 1927 German expressionist science-fiction drama film directed by Fritz Lang. The story takes place in a futuristic urban dystopia, and follows the attempts of Freder, the son of a powerful industrialist, to stop a death machine created by a mad scientist. The film is a critically acclaimed classic of science-fiction cinema and is widely seen as an important precursor to the genre. It stars Brigitte Helm, Gustav Fröhlich, Alfred Abel and Rudolf Klein-Rogge. The film was a major commercial success upon its initial release, and has since become a cult classic. Themes of class struggle and social justice are prominent throughout the film.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the 1962 novella of the same name by Anthony Burgess. The film follows Alex, a charismatic hoodlum living in a near-future England, as he embarks on a violent crime spree with his gang of "Droogs". When Alex is arrested and subjected to a radical form of rehabilitation, he must choose between his own freedom or being "cured" of his violent ways. A Clockwork Orange is a darkly satirical exploration of free will, morality, and the power of government. The film's violence, stylized visuals, and soundtrack of classical music have made it a classic of the science fiction genre.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1982. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows Rick Deckard, a police officer tasked with hunting down and retiring four rogue replicants—highly advanced androids—who have escaped from an off-world colony and returned to Earth. During his investigation, Deckard falls in love with a female replicant, which leads him to question his own humanity. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and morality, and its visuals and score have been praised by critics.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose son will one day become a savior against machines in a post-apocalyptic future. With the fate of humanity at stake, Sarah must protect herself and her unborn son John from the relentless Terminator. With the help of a soldier from the future (Michael Biehn) and a friendly punk (Bill Paxton), Sarah races against time to save her son from the machine and prevent a future where machines dominate humanity.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2015 action-adventure film directed by George Miller. It is the fourth installment in the Mad Max franchise, starring Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky and Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa. The film follows a gripping chase through the post-apocalyptic wasteland, as Max and Furiosa attempt to outrun a ruthless warlord and his army of thugs, who are trying to capture Furiosa and return her to their citadel. Along their journey, they form an unlikely alliance with a group of fugitive wives who are also trying to escape from their captors. The film is filled with thrilling chases and incredible stunts, as Max and Furiosa battle their way through the wasteland. With courage and determination, they ultimately succeed in their mission and in the process, inspire a revolution that could bring peace to the entire wasteland.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt, Joseph Melito
Rated R

12 Monkeys is a 1995 science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt. The film follows James Cole, a convict from the future who is sent back in time to prevent a plague which will eventually cause the death of most of humanity. Cole finds himself in the wrong time period and must find the true cause of the plague in order to save the future. Along the way, he meets Jeffrey Goines, a mental patient who may hold the key to unlocking the truth of the virus, and Kathryn Railly, a psychiatrist who helps him on his journey. As Cole delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself increasingly at odds with the government agents who would rather he stay quiet. With time running out, Cole must race against the clock to save the future of humanity.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes is an iconic 1968 science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and produced by Arthur P. Jacobs. Set in the future on a distant planet, the film follows the story of three astronauts who are stranded and must fend for themselves in a society of intelligent apes. As the astronauts explore their new world, they find that the apes have evolved to the point of dominating humans and controlling the planet. As the astronauts discover the truth about the planet, they must fight for their freedom and the freedom of the humans they left behind. Through both action and thought-provoking themes, Planet of the Apes is a classic science fiction film that has inspired many other stories and become a part of popular culture.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista
Rated R

Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 American science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve, and serving as a direct sequel to the 1982 classic Blade Runner. Set in a dystopian future, Blade Runner 2049 follows the journey of a new Blade Runner, Officer K (Ryan Gosling), as he uncovers a secret that could plunge society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former Blade Runner who has been missing for 30 years. Along the way, K must confront his own past and choose between his duty as a Blade Runner and his own humanity.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine
Rated R

Children of Men is a 2006 dystopian science fiction film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Set in 2027, the film follows Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former political activist who is asked to help protect a young refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), who is pregnant with the first child in 18 years. As a result of a global infertility crisis, humanity is on the brink of extinction. In the face of government oppression, Theo and Kee have to fight to protect the future of mankind. Along the way, they encounter unexpected allies and enemies, uncover hidden secrets, and discover the power of hope in the face of despair.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science fiction action film released in 2009. The film is directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson. It stars Sharlto Copley and Jason Cope as Wikus van der Merwe and Christopher Johnson, respectively. The film is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, and follows an extraterrestrial race of aliens, dubbed "prawns," who have been forced to live in a slum on the fringes of the city. When the government takes away their resources and plots to relocate them, Wikus is tasked with leading the relocation. However, after being exposed to a mysterious alien fluid, he begins to develop superhuman powers and a deeper understanding of the aliens' plight. With his newfound powers, Wikus sets out to assist the aliens in their fight against the oppressive government forces, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

From Terry Gilliam, starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond
Rated R

Brazil is a dystopian science fiction film directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Jonathan Pryce as a low-level government employee who dreams of escaping his drab and oppressive life. When he discovers a clerical error that could lead to his freedom, he pursues it, setting off a chain of events that have unforeseen and far-reaching consequences. The film is a surreal exploration of bureaucracy and its consequences, taking place in a dystopian and decaying world where technology is both advanced and oppressive. It is a darkly humorous yet ultimately heartbreaking tale of a man’s struggle to maintain his own humanity in a world that has forgotten its own.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law. The film is set in a dystopian future in which genetic perfection is the norm and those whose genes are deemed to be "inferior" are relegated to second-class citizens. The story follows Vincent Freeman (Hawke), an "invalid" whose genetically inferior heart condition prevents him from achieving his dream of becoming an astronaut. Determined to succeed, he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow (Law), a paralyzed "valid" whose genetic makeup is flawless. As he struggles to keep his identity a secret, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with Irene (Thurman), a police officer tasked with uncovering the truth. In the end, Vincent is able to fulfill his dream and become an astronaut despite his genetic limitations.

From Alex Garland, starring Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno
Rated R

Ex Machina is a 2014 science fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland. The story follows Caleb Smith, a programmer at a large Internet company, who wins a competition to spend a week at the private mountain estate of the company's brilliant and reclusive CEO, Nathan Bateman. Upon his arrival, Caleb learns that Nathan has chosen him to be the human component in a Turing test to determine the capabilities and consciousness of Nathan's latest experiment in artificial intelligence: the female robot, Ava. As Caleb spends time with Ava and Nathan, he begins to uncover the startling secrets of the experiment, and his own true motivations. Through a tautly charged narrative and thought-provoking themes, Ex Machina examines the boundaries of technology and humanity, artificial intelligence, and the power of manipulation, as well as the consequences of such progress.

From Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Luc Besson. The film follows Korben Dallas, a former special forces major, who is unwillingly recruited to help save the world. The universe is threatened by an alien force known as the Great Evil, and the only hope of stopping it is by finding and reuniting four powerful elements: the stones of air, earth, fire and water. To do this, he teams up with a mysterious and beautiful woman named Leeloo, who holds the key to the fifth element. Together, they must race against time to find the stones and save the universe from destruction. Along the way, they must battle alien forces and an evil industrialist who wants to control the world.

From Kinji Fukasaku, starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Tarô Yamamoto, Chiaki Kuriyama
Rated Not Rated

Battle Royale is a 2000 Japanese film directed by Kinji Fukasaku. The film is set in a dystopian future where the government has implemented a program called the "Battle Royale Act" which forces high school classes to fight to the death in a fight to the death. A group of students are taken to a deserted island and are given weapons and a time limit to kill each other off until only one is left standing. The students must find ways to survive while fighting other students and dealing with the harshness of the environment. As the class slowly dwindles, the survivors must come to terms with the harsh reality of their situation, and ultimately decide the fate of their classmates.

From Rupert Wyatt, starring James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Karin Konoval
Rated PG-13

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a 2011 science fiction film directed by Rupert Wyatt. It is a prequel to the 1968 science fiction classic, Planet of the Apes. The film follows scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) as he develops a drug to help cure Alzheimer's disease. The drug has the unintended consequence of creating intelligent apes that can think and talk, led by Caesar (Andy Serkis). Caesar leads the apes in a battle against human oppression, and eventually the apes revolt and take over the planet. The film follows their journey from captivity to freedom and the ultimate rise of the Planet of the Apes.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, Max von Sydow
Rated PG-13

Minority Report is a sci-fi action film released in 2002, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the short story by Philip K. Dick. The film follows the PreCrime division of Washington D.C., a police unit that uses three genetically engineered humans (the "pre-cogs") to foresee future crimes before they are committed. John Anderton (Tom Cruise), head of the unit, discovers a conspiracy and is accused of a future murder himself. He must go on the run to find the true killer and clear his name. Along the way he learns that the pre-cogs' visions are not always accurate and that the line between fate and free will is blurred. With intense action sequences, spectacular special effects, and thought-provoking themes, Minority Report is an entertaining and captivating film.

From Paul Verhoeven, starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox
Rated R

RoboCop is a 1987 American science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Edward Neumeier. The film follows the story of Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), a Detroit police officer who is killed in the line of duty but is revived as a cyborg law enforcement officer known as "RoboCop". RoboCop is programmed to serve the public trust, protect the innocent, and uphold the law. However, he soon discovers a sinister corporate conspiracy that threatens the citizens of Detroit. In the midst of trying to combat corporate corruption and crime, RoboCop must battle his own programming in order to save the citizens of Detroit and restore justice.

From Matt Reeves, starring Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Kodi Smit-McPhee
Rated PG-13

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is a 2014 science fiction action film directed by Matt Reeves and starring Andy Serkis and Jason Clarke. Set ten years after the events of the 2011 film Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the film follows a group of genetically-enhanced apes led by Caesar who are in conflict with a group of humans for control of Earth. Caesar and his apes are struggling to survive in the wake of the human-inflicted Simian Flu, which had decimated the human population. When a group of humans led by Malcolm come into their territory, Caesar attempts to build a peace between them. Though the peace is fragile and tensions remain high, Caesar ultimately succeeds in creating a tenuous truce between the two species. However, when a new human leader, Koba, takes over, the truce is broken and all-out war ensues. In the end, Caesar and the apes emerge victorious and establish a new world order.